Have You Created a Safe Sleeping Environment for Your Baby?

September marks national Baby Safety Month, a month long endeavor to increase awareness and educate parents and caregivers about creating a safe sleep environment.

Babies need a sleep environment that is designed specifically for them. Hundreds of deaths occur each year due to placing of babies and children in environments that are not designed for them. The safest place for a baby is in a fully functional, properly assembled crib, cradle, bassinet, portable play yard, or toddler bed.

The enormous amount of recalls on cribs recently highlights the importance of proper use and assembly of cribs. There is minimum government standards that all cribs must meet in today’s marketplace. In addition there are recognized performance standards, established by ASTM International, recognized experts and the government for a certification process on many sleep and sleep aid products on the market today.

There are numerous resources available to ensure safe sleep practices. Please click the links below for more information.

• Tips on selecting and using products specifically designed for infant and child sleep – cribs, play yards, toddler beds, etc.
• Best Safe Sleep Practices (JPMA) 
• Sleep Safety Videos 
• ASTM Standards 

When planned for carefully, sleep, whether napping, or nighttime, can be a pleasant and safe experience for both you and your baby.